Brock receives ‘Flame’ award
PICKENS — Glenn Brock, owner of Brock’s Department Store in uptown Pickens, was presented with the second I Fan The Flame award on stage at the Azalea Festival over the weekend.
Created by the city of Pickens and the Pickens Revitalization Association, the award recognizes individuals that have supported and contributed to the community in extraordinary ways — those who have demonstrated a passion for helping make Pickens a great place to live, work and play.
Brock assumed ownership of the store, founded by his uncle 55 years ago, in 1957. The store celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007. Over those years, he raised his family and has supported Pickens in many ways. When his children were in school, he was very active in the Pickens Booster Club. As an active member of the Jaycees, he helped build the city’s first public park. He spent a number of years as an area director for the March Of Dimes.
The store, today, reflects the area’s heritage — from his son’s many hunting trophies to more than 50 years of memorabilia that Glenn has collected. He reflected on the way things used to be.
“The merchandise I carry has certainly changed over the years. Not long ago, I used to have half the store in ladies and children’s ready-to-wear, now I’m best known for boots.” Brock said. “I can remember when there was a little police station right across the street. And at one time, there were four other stores like mine on Main Street. I would love to see that kind of competition again.
“I love this town and its people. I feel like I have done a service to my customers and the community. My greatest satisfaction is to know my customers personally… and to have them come back time and time again. I hope to be able to offer them my high-quality merchandise they want for many years to come.”
I Fan The Flame Platinum 2012 sponsors include the Historic City of Pickens and Great Oaks Dental. East Main Treasures and Pace & Reeves BP, Inc. are this year’s bronze sponsors.
The award program will be expanded, in the future, to recognize the many contributions of various academic, civil, religious and charitable organizations towards “fanning the flame” in Pickens.